The French take football (known to most Americans as soccer) very seriously. I came to this conclusion when I went to see France play against Romania.

The Stade de France is located in the Parisian suburb of Saint-Denis. The stadium itself is massive. It's the fifth largest stadium in Europe and holds about 80,000 crazy fans. It's also home to France's national rugby team.

I have to be honest, I am not a huge fan of football (American or European) or any sport for that matter. So, it took a little nudge from my friends to get me to go to a game. Is it a game or a match? Anyway, I felt this was an authentic cultural experience.

The passion, energy, and pride that I witnessed from the crowd at this game was inspiring. I also had a good time.

The crowd applauded when the team almost made a goal--I guess for trying. I even got up and made some noise when they made two goals in the last 5 minutes of the game and won. Before that the game was tied 0-0. I'll be back.

BEFORE YOU GO

Stade de France is located in St. Denis. Take RER (express train) at Gare de Nord metro station to La Plaine-Stade de France.

You can also take the metro: Line 13, St. Denis-Porte de Paris.

Bus 256 to Avenue du Pt. Wilson.

Details: A football game is 90 minutes with one 10 minute break.

Don't take any large water bottles or containers to Stade de France. Security will make you toss it.